Mega Millions changes pricing, game structure
The Mega Millions lottery drawing is changing its pricing and game structure, beginning with Friday's drawing.
The changes announced Tuesday include raising the ticket price from $1 to $2.
The number of balls drawn has changed as well; players will now choose five numbers from 1 to 70 in addition to one Mega Ball number from 1 to 25. The starting jackpot increases from $15 million to $40 million, and a news release from Mega Millions promises that jackpots will grow more quickly.
A new $3 bet called "Just the Jackpot" gives players two entries for a chance to win the grand prize only.
"We have a demand for innovation to keep fresh, entertaining lottery games and to deliver the attention-grabbing jackpots," said Debbie D. Alford, Mega Millions president.
The odds of winning any prize will be 1 in 24 beginning Friday.
The multistate Mega Millions lottery drawing is held Tuesdays and Fridays.